As Baku welcomes the camp Eurovison Song Contest, we examine the challenge that gay, bi and trans Azeris face in an oppressive Azerbaijan

'Welcome to the Eurovision Song Contest, from Baku in Europe!' greeted star-eyed host Eldar 'Ell' Gasimov, the 2011 contest in a duo with Nigar Jamal.

The flamboyant contest is being held in a fantastic newly erected Crystal Hall, a shimmering glass and steel building on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The atmosphere and festive mood of kitch glitz and glamour, with outlandish hair-does and exquisite dress codes more than match the glittery exterior of the venue.

Rumors of a gay pride during this year Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan have been met with angry rhetoric from southern neighbor Iran

Iran has criticised its neighboring country of Azerbaijan, appearing to believe rumors that a gay pride will be part of the Eurovision Song Contest there this month.

The kitsch European pop tournament will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus on 22 May.

In January, nighttours.com, a website for listing and news about the international gay scene suggested that gay pride could take place in Baku during the lead-up to Eurovision content, but removed the article a few days later.

Rumors of a gay pride during this year Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan have been met with angry rhetoric from southern neighbor Iran

Iran has criticised its neighboring country of Azerbaijan, appearing to believe rumors that a gay pride will be part of the Eurovision Song Contest there this month.

The kitsch European pop tournament will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus on 22 May.

In January, nighttours.com, a website for listing and news about the international gay scene suggested that gay pride could take place in Baku during the lead-up to Eurovision content, but removed the article a few days later.